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How to Obtain a Boating License in Oregon

Oregon boating licenses are granted to eligible residents living in the state. These eligibility requirements are established to ensure only qualified applicants are provided with driving privileges. The OR State Marine Board develops steps for how to get a boating license for residents. Once eligibility is established, drivers can begin the process of obtaining driving privileges for motorized watercraft. Understanding these steps in advance is helpful for navigating the process in the future.

All new boaters must take education courses and pass a final examination to be granted permits. Online boating license classes are available, along with in person courses. Drivers can choose the type of class that best fits their needs. Fees are sometimes assessed for final examinations. Additionally, valid title and registration must be acquired for owners of personal watercraft. Continue reading to find out about the process of obtaining boating privileges in Oregon.

Do you need a license to drive a boat in Oregon?

Getting a boat license is a required component of legally operating motorized water vessels in the state. Age requirements apply to new boaters. Taking boaters safety courses is useful for drivers to learn how to operate watercraft and stay safe on OR waterways.

Education course certificates are used as physical boating permits in the state. These documents should always be kept with drivers when using boats or watercraft. The process to get a license can begin once the eligibility standards for new drivers are met.

Oregon Boating License Requirements

For Oregon boaters, age, residency status and education level is used to determine eligibility for boating permits. Residents 12 years of age and older must obtain licenses if they would like to operate a watercraft or boat at over 10 horsepower. The Oregon State Marine Board must approve education courses for certificates to the considered valid.

For both boats and personal watercraft such, boating license age restrictions apply. Residents younger than 12 years of age cannot operate personal watercraft or boats. Kids age 12 to 15 can only operate watercraft under the supervision of an adult age 18 or older or driver age 16 with a valid education certificate. The boat license requirement is waived for certain groups in Oregon, such as:

Residents with Coast Guard credentials

Residents with commercial fisherman licenses

Out-of-state boaters

Boat buyers with a temporary certificate

Boat renters

Getting a Boating License in Oregon

Boater education cards are obtained in Oregon after drivers complete safety courses in the state. All required components should be completed for boating privileges to be administered. Online and in-person courses are offered for the convenience of new boaters. The following certification steps are required for new applicants:

Choose whether to take classes in person or online.

Look for classes via various third party agencies available in the state. Costs vary among institutions.

Attend class for the required amount of hours.

Review the concepts covered during class to prepare for the final examination.

Take the final boat card exam and pass by answering a certain amount of questions correctly.

Pay the required fees to be issued certification cards.

Oregon Boater Safety Courses

In Oregon, online boaters safety courses and in-classroom instruction are the education course methods available to drivers. These classes go over important safety concepts that should be considered by state residents.

Understanding this information is imperative in order to safely drive motorized watercraft in the state. Students can expect to learn about how to navigate waterways, safely practice watersports and adhere to boating laws.

Renewing and Replacing Oregon Boating Licenses

Boater exam certification forms should remain on drivers when operating boats or motorized vessels in the state. If certificates are lost or stolen, they must be replaced immediately. When law enforcement asks drivers to produce education verification, failing to do so could result in fines and/or tickets being assessed.

An official request for a replacement card should be submitted online in Oregon. Temporary online boating course certificates can be printed while drivers wait for official forms to come in the mail. Additionally, an $8 fee is due when requests are submitted.

Oregon Boat Registration Basics

In Oregon, valid boat registration must be maintained for purchased watercraft and boats. Up-to-date boat titles are also required. However, some types of boats could be exempt from these standards.

Exact rules depend on the type of motorized water vessel being registered. To prove their eligibility for registration, applicants should provide the following forms of documentation:

Proof of boat ownership

Proof of identity

Bill of sale certificate, if applicable

Upon request approval, boat registration stickers are administered to new boaters. These stickers must be affixed to owned water vessels and/or boats.

A replacement is also available for OR boaters. Boaters should request documents via the OR State Marine Board.

Oregon Boating Rules and Regulations

Certain boating regulations are applicable to license holders in the state. These rules serve to protect swimmers and boaters. Additionally, these laws help to preserve natural areas.

Understanding the established rules is necessary for drivers to make good choices while navigating state waterways. The following boating laws are developed in the state.

Boats and personal watercraft cannot be operated under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

When necessary, lifejackets should be worn on board.

Drivers below age 12 are not allowed to operate boats or personal watercraft.

Bells and whistles should be maintained on boats above a certain length.

Fire extinguishers should be maintained on boats above a certain length.

Oregon Boating License Fees

In Oregon, boating certificate fees vary depending on the agency chosen by students. These organizations determine the exact fees involved in taking classes and examinations.

The state always charges a $10 fee when submitting the certification by mail. Replacement licenses cards can be obtained for an $8 fee.